Colorectal cancer is a cancer which includes Cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. Types of cancer in the colon and rectum: Adenocarcinoma, Carcinoid tumor stromal tumors (GISTs) and Lymphomas with adenocarcinoma being the most common. There is large geographical variation in the incidence of colorectal cancer. (1, 2, 3) Worldwide, there are 945,000 cases of colorectal cancer per year and 655,000 deaths. Colorectal cancer is more common in the developed countries than in the

more »

... oping ones. (4, 5, 6) CRC is usually diagnosed by Biopsy, Blood test, imaging tests and genetic testing. (8,)The objective of the study is to investigate the prevalence of colorectal cancer in Eritrea and its variation with nutrition to increase public awareness of the disease and introduce changes in the life style of the people. In this is retrospective study data about the prevalence of colorectal cancer in Eritrea for the last ten years was retrieved from the archives of the department of Health Management Information System (HMIS), Human Resource development (HRD), Ministry of health(MOH), Asmara. The number of neoplasm cases in Eritrea shows significant increase in the last three years. Colorectal cancer accounts for about 6% only, ranking fifth among neoplasm cases in Eritrea. The highest incidence of colorectal cancer is seen in Zoba Maakel. The prevalence of colorectal cancer in Eritrea is low when compared to other countries. The number of neoplasm in Eritrea is increasing, which could be due to the changes in the life style of the population. Summarizing the epidemiological characteristics of CRC, we could state that it is a tumor showing close connection with a westernized life style, most of all with its nutritional behavior and life style. (24, 31) Colorectal cancer in Eritrea could be prevented if more people maintained healthy life styles and satellite laboratories which could provide cost effective screening tests are established in the different zones. Moreover the ministry should work in collaboration with other organizations and institutes to prevent tragic and unnecessary suffering caused by the cancer through the implementation and introduction of advanced cancer diagnosing health centers throughout the country.